Haptoglobins in some Galliformes birds.

In several groups of galliform birds (chicken, turkey, pheasant and guinea fowl) the presence and function of plasma haptoglobin (Hp) have been studied. Paper, acetate and starch-gel electrophoresis were carried out and two benzidine stain regions were observed when haemoglobin (Hb) was added to normal plasma (Hb-Hp complex and methemalbumin) besides the free Hb when the binding capacity of these proteins were surpassed. The disappearance of the administered Hb-59Fe was exponential which is evidence of the existence of two different rates. Liver, bone marrow and kidney are the main organs related to the 59Fe uptake. These results on Hp in galliforms and the metabolism of the Hb are concordant with the data in the literature on mammals. This suggests the same common physiological role for Hp.